HUNTINGTON – Grace’s cross country team got a preview of the Crossroads League Championships with a race at Huntington on Saturday.

The Lady Lancers placed fourth out of nine teams while the men were ninth out of 11 at the Huntington Invitational, ran at the same course as the CL Championships on Nov. 7.

Katelyn McCullough led all Grace runners with a fourth-place showing, ending the race in 19:34. Freshman sisters Ariel Arellano (20:26) and Raven Arellano (20:40) were second and third respectively for Grace, and Julia Neal crossed the finish line in 21:21.

Emma Mitchell, Karla Singer and Sarah Hoff also finished the race with sub-22 minute times. The ladies finished third among Crossroads League teams, beating out league foes Bethel, St. Francis and Goshen in the process.

“We had cool and windy conditions, but our ladies fought through it pretty well. Katelyn McCullough ran a very good race. Even though it wasn’t her best time, it might have been her best race when you factor in the weather and a fairly tough course,” said Grace coach Jeff Raymond. “I also want to compliment Julia Neal for her continued improvement and Sarah Hoff for a solid race after coming back from injury.”

The men’s team ran less than full strength as the team battled injuries. Only five players ran for the Lancers.

Joel Bertelsen had a strong race in 27:25 to finish in 13th place. Sam Hall was next in line for Grace in 28:41, and Tyler Houvener was not far behind in 28:54. Tim Drew (32:19) and Reid Fouty (33:36) completed Grace’s lineup.

“Joel [Bertelsen] went out with the leaders and remained in close contact throughout the race. I was very pleased that he was not afraid to run toward the front,” Raymond said. “We held out a few guys to protect some minor injuries which obviously affected our overall performance. We hope to be closer to full strength next week.”

The Lancers will travel north on Friday for the Bethel Invitational.